Why didn't the Red Sox just keep Orlando Cabrera?

Since 2004, and arguably since Nomar was shipped out of town, the shortstop position for the Boston Red Sox has become a revolving door. Considering baseball is a business, it’s worth pointing out that the Red Sox have failed considerably in their business decisions concerning how to fill that void in the infield.

They’ve had summer rentals Orlando Cabrera (2004) and Alex Gonzalez (2006) to go along with the failed Edgar Renteria transaction/experiment in (2005). And now they are running on fumes with a floundering Julio Lugo this season. Yet, they knew Nomar was losing the range to play the position and his future seemed bleaker than ever as he pouted and watched his own abilities diminish during that 2004 season.

Judging from the way things have shaped out for Nomar since, the Red Sox made the right decision back on July 31st, 2004. However, where they really missed the boat is when they let the ideal fit, Orlando Cabrera (The OC) walk away and sign with the Angels. Even three years removed from the “OC” experience, Red Sox fans probably can’t help, but wish management would’ve put up the money to re-sign “OC.”

Perhaps, we could even consider the position now cursed amongst the organization? Let me explain a little more and give you the comparisons. Follow me, let’s take a look...

Orlando Cabrera (2004)

His only fault was that he wasn’t the superstar the Red Sox had known and come to expect at the shortstop position. Supposedly a year older than Renteria, the Red Sox felt inclined to let him walk when the Angles offered him a 4 year/$32 million contract. Well, he is in year 3 of that deal and is producing quite possibly his best season to date. The Red Sox simply underestimated “OC” and viewed him more as a summer rental than a permanent fix.

A career .273 hitter and above average fielder, “OC” was a favorite amongst the fans and the clubhouse. He gave the Red Sox clutch hitting, superb defense, and a .288 average during their 2004 World Series run. Even to this day, he still receives applause and ovations of gratitude from the Fenway Faithful. He was an integral part of the Red Sox climb to the top, but management saw the business aspect of things and let him walk.

It must be a head shaker to take notice that including this year, he’s been hitting for roughly a .290 average since he left Boston. And I did mention his above average defense…already? Besides...isn't he just an enjoyable player?

Edgar Renteria (2005)

It wasn’t so much the hitting that was the root of Edgar’s problems in Boston. He hit .276 with 8 HR’s and 70 RBI. However, he led the league with 30 ERRORS and never seemed to be fully welcomed by the fans or media. At one point he was termed “Rent-a-Wreck.” All the while, he was again being surrounded by the unfair comparisons to the recently departed “OC” and legend of Nomar. Tough shoes to fill…I guess.

The Red Sox inked him to a 4 year/$40 million deal when they could’ve had Cabrera for much less. However, apparently they really believed that Renteria was the better player and that he was indeed younger (questionable – birth certificate please). Anyhow, Edgar’s stay was short lived in Boston as the team ate some contract and shipped him out to Atlanta where he has found his niche once again.

Since he left Boston he’s returned to his natural form and is hitting back near the .300 range and his fielding has vastly improved in the good ‘ole NL. However, it simply didn’t work for him in Boston and left the Red Sox with another season of mystery at the centerpiece of their infield.

Alex Gonzalez (2006)

Acquired from the Marlins mainly as a temporary fix, Gonzalez appeared to be a nice fit at times. The Red Sox knew he wasn’t ever known for his bat, but were willing to take his excellent defense as a substitute. He didn’t let anyone down in that department, allowing only 7 ERRORS all of last season. He managed to bat .255 with 9 HR’s and 50 RBI. Again though, the Red Sox always had the lustful eyes for Julio Lugo.

Even though Gonzalez was hardly a distraction, meshed well with the fans/media and was on the cheap the Sox opted not to re-sign him. Instead, he inked a 3 year/$14 million dollar deal this past off-season with the Reds. Gonzalez was and is easily the cheapest of the group that’s held down the SS position for the Sox recently. However, his .246 career average persuaded the Red Sox to go after the player they always wanted…Lugo.

Julio Lugo (2007)

Lugo singed a 4 year/$36 million dollar this past off-season. He is currently the same age as Cabrera and his contract is just a touch more. However, in his first ½ season in Boston it’s been a considerable disaster. He still has the support of the locals, but how long will it last? Is he just in a really, really big slump? Will he snap out of it? We can’t be certain, but what is known is that he is limping to a .197 average.

Give him credit where credit is due, he hasn’t completely been snake-bitten by the pressure. His fielding is decent, but not quite spectacular. He is a career .275 hitter, so you have to wonder if his fortunes will change as the summer wears on. Yet, you also have to wonder why the Red Sox passed on Cabrera 3 years ago and signed Renteria and Lugo to more expensive contracts when all three players seem to be on an equal playing field.

Who would you take today? I’d say Cabrera is the obvious choice for his intangibles alone, least we not forget to mention his contract as well. The Red Sox have made a few major gaffes in their thought process since 2004. And the shortstop position should rank #1 on that list, even ahead of letting Pedro walk (they appear to be getting the last laugh on that one).

They’ve sunk $76 million in contracts for two guys (Renteria and Lugo) who have been far less reliable than “OC.” And they could’ve had “OC” for a little less than both. He’d be in year 3 of that contract with the Red Sox and having his career year for them, not the Angels. Instead, the Red Sox are left with wondering “what if” and hoping that Lugo can turn it around or they’ll never hear the end of the curse of “OC.”